As the fight between the APC and the PDP over defections deepens, the PDP in Rivers State has failed to obtain an exparte motion against Hon. Ephraim Nwuzi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency.
The PDP, according to information reaching our desk had filed a motion at a Federal High Court seeking to stop the National Assembly from paying salaries and entitlements to the lawmaker who defected to the APC recently.
We have learnt through dependable sources that the trial judge refused the application and asked the plaintiffs to place the Hon. Nwuzi on notice.
Insiders say the suit filed against the federal lawmaker apparently has the approval of Governor Nyesom Wike who officially is the leader of the party in the State.
Nwuzi had officially crossed over from the PDP to the APC on the floor of the House, with jubilant APC lawmakers rolling out the red carpet to welcome him to their midst.
His departure from the ranks of the PDP has further depleted the strength of the opposition in parliament.
The Port Harcourt Telegraph reports that such defections, including movements by serving lawmakers who wish to leave their parties as a result of growing disharmony, are allowed to do so under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
There is yet to be a formal reaction from the APC, but the Telegraph has gathered that the party is likely to issue a statement on the matter.